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Do You Need Permission to Cover a Song?

Covering a song can boost visibility and creativity, but it also raises important copyright questions. This guide explains when you need permission to record, post, or perform a cover, how licenses work, and what can happen if you skip the legal steps.

December 24, 2025

A close-up of a black studio microphone mounted on a shock mount, angled slightly upward against a deep red background, highlighting the metal mesh grille and professional recording setup.

Do You Need Permission to Cover a Song?

Covering a song can boost visibility and creativity, but it also raises important copyright questions. This guide explains when you need permission to record, post, or perform a cover, how licenses work, and what can happen if you skip the legal steps.

December 24, 2025

Sunset concert stage with drums and microphone, ready for a live performance. Warm lighting creates a vibrant atmosphere.

How Long Do Music Copyrights Last?

Wondering how long music copyright lasts? In most cases, protection continues for the creator’s lifetime plus 70 years, though rules differ by country and type of work. Knowing these limits helps artists, producers, and listeners understand when music becomes public domain.

September 30, 2025

ai robot woman imagining music notes

AI-Generated Music Copyright | What Musicians and Creators Need to Know

It remains to be seen if AI-generated music will be understood as an extension of this kind of fair use or whether or not it is in another camp altogether.

June 12, 2025

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Tracy Chapman Suit Against Nicki Minaj Highlight Importance of Protection and Permission

Chapman is seeking unspecified monetary damages for copyright infringement of “Baby Can I Hold You” – which Chapman registered for copyright protection in 1983 – and for the court to require Minaj to “take reasonable steps to stop the continued exploitation” of her song.

November 15, 2018

A concert; black and white image

BMI Battles Against Leading Concert Promoter Association for Songwriters and Composers

Broadcast Music Inc. went to federal court seeking a court-ordered increase in the royalties to be paid to songwriters and composers from the North American Concert Promoters Association, which represents such concert promoter giants as the various AEG and Live Nation affiliates.

November 08, 2018

A person listening to music on headphones

What MMA’s Mechanical Licensing Collective Means For Songwriters

Many questions remain about how the Mechanical Licensing Collective, not the least of which is who will actually run the organization.

June 04, 2018

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